The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reviewed upward its global merchandise trade growth worldwide projection this year to 3.9% up from its earlier forecast of 1.9% as booming AI investments are gradually offsetting the negative impact of the Middle East conflict on the global trade ecosystem.
The global organization, in its latest report, indicated that international trade was gradually improving as supply chains adapted and AI-related spending are providing “a powerful boost to goods trade.”
A news report from Associated Press (AP) on Thursday showed that the Geneva, Switzerland-based trade body forecasted 4.1% growth in 2027, up from its 2.9% prediction in March this year
The WTO clarified: “The revision reflects evidence that global supply chains adapted to disruptions in energy and fertilizer markets, while strong investment in AI-related infrastructure boosted trade in AI-enabling goods.”
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Recalling that global trade of oil and gas and fertilizer through the Persian Gulf remains significantly disrupted in February this year at the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, the global trade organization disclosed in the latest report that merchandise trade grew 3.5% in the first half of the year, powered by the artificial intelligence market.
It reported: “Demand for AI-enabling goods such as semiconductors and servers accounted for 47% of global merchandise trade growth in the first half of 2026, and trade in these products rose by 67% year-on-year, accelerating from the already rapid expansion seen in 2024 and 2025.”
